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The history briefly
evoked here is present in the architecture of the monument:
it marks, in its variety, the successive eras of edification.
Under the sanctuary, lie the foundations of a Merovingian altar,
which undoubtedly witnessed the primitive church and first oratory.
Nowadays' apse lies on the Romanesque basis of the Cluniac
church, which Durand de Bredons very solemnly dedicated in 1063.
This abbey-church was enlarged in the late twelth century and topped
with domes; the lower part of nowadays' abbey-church
nave walls dates back to this era.
The fifteenth century, a second golden age, witnessed
profound modifications in the monument. The gothic style was chosen on
the higher part of the nave and whole choir, which makes a unique single
nave boat, much inspired by the Languedoc tradition.
Recently restored, the wall-paintings give the abbey-church a very hearty
look.
The statues are particularly rich and attaching.
The golden
colour of eighteenth century statues harmonously match with the ochre
of the frescoes. The side chapels show major works of Gothic times.
A dated (1476) stone Lady of Pity bears its donators' names written
on the basis.
The chapel of Blessed Sacrament also houses another Lady of Pity called
Notre Dame du Lemboulari.
From the twelth
century, a magnificent Romanesque Christ on a
tree-like Cross instils peace, its quietness makes it similar to characters
of the tympanum.
On the ground floor of the church, you enter a large narthex
with high capitals.
On the first floor,in the higher room, you can admire the
beautiful architecture of the abbey-church.
On top of twelve embedded shafts, ribs meet around an oculus, making an
audacious cupola which symbolizes Holy Jerusalem, after the 21st chapter
of the Book of Revelation.
The steeple, topped
by a pyramid-like roof houses a chime with 24 bells.
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